Mitsubishi Assembles 44th F-35A Fighter Jet for Japan Air Self-Defense Force

Japanese aircraft manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has completed assembly of the 44th F-35A fighter jet for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

The information was reported by the Telegram channel Military Japan, which covers Japan’s military developments.

The aircraft, tail number 59-8748, is the 44th F-35A assembled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (FACO) and the 48th overall aircraft manufactured for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The aircraft is currently undergoing ground taxi tests at the assembly facility located at Nagoya Airport.

As of now, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force plans to purchase 105 F-35A fighters, which have already replaced two squadrons of F-4EJ Kai Phantom II aircraft. The Phantom II was retired on March 17, 2021.

In addition, the 303rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Komatsu Air Base is transitioning to the F-35A, replacing F-15J Pre-MSIP aircraft that will not be upgraded to the JSI version.

Along with 105 F-35A aircraft, Japan has ordered 42 F-35B fighters from U.S.-based Lockheed Martin. These short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft will be deployed on the multi-role carriers Izumo and Kaga.

Unlike the F-35A, the F-35B variant is manufactured in the United States and delivered to Japan by air.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries does not carry out full production of the F-35A; it assembles the aircraft from kits supplied by both U.S. and Japanese contractors.

For example, the Japanese company IHI (Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries) manufactures engine fan and turbine components, and Mitsubishi Electric produces elements of the radar system. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is also involved in producing certain airframe components.

Militarnyi previously reported that Japan received its first F-35B fighters, which will later operate from the Izumo and Kaga.

On Thursday, August 7, the first three F-35B aircraft arrived at Newtabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. A fourth aircraft from the initial batch remained in the United States for undisclosed reasons and is expected to arrive later.